Garpenlov Might Play April 2

NHL

March 26, 1997|By DAVE JOSEPH Staff Writer

POMPANO BEACH - — The Panthers continued their week of rest, relaxation and healing Tuesday morning with a light practice at Gold Coast Arena. The good news for them was that left winger Johan Garpenlov, out since Feb. 22 with a sprained right knee, skated for 45 minutes.

According to coach Doug Mac-Lean, Garpenlov skated "at a pretty good pace" and could be ready April 2 when the Panthers play at Toronto.

"It's important we get him in the last four or five games," MacLean said, "both for him and for us, so we can get our lines straightened out,''

Centers Tom Fitzgerald and Kirk Muller, hobbled with ankle injuries, did not skate, and center Rob Niedermayer, who injured a tendon in his left hand on the last shift of last week's Islanders game, skated a bit on his own.

Also on the ice Tuesday was center Martin Straka, who has been hampered by a groin injury since January. Straka seemed to skate at full capacity, but no date has been set for his return.

Forwards Steve Washburn and David Nemirovsky were due back today from Greensboro, N.C., where they had been helping the Panthers' American League franchise during the playoffs. In a 7-6 loss to Baltimore Monday night, Nemirovsky had a goal and an assist.

The Panthers, who have been off since Saturday, will return to action Thursday at Miami Arena against the Senators, who played Tuesday in Tampa and are fighting for the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers are 1-1-1 vs. Ottawa.

Ticket planning for playoffs

With three weeks left in the season, Panthers officials say a policy regarding playoff tickets will be announced soon. Season-ticket holders had until March 14 to mail their requests for tickets. Requests are being processed, and a policy on individual game tickets will be announced "very shortly," according to an official.